By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, August 27, 2025Photo credit: ESPN
Taylor Townsend of the U.S. and Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia engaged in a verbal battle after their tense second round at the US Open that gained more attention than the match itself.
Townsend upset the No. 25 seed Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 to reach the third round.
After their post-match handshake, Ostapenko confronted Townsend near the umpire’s chair.
While it was hard to hear all that was said due to the crowd noise, Ostapenko can be heard telling Townsend, “You have no education. Wait until we are outside the U.S.” during their lengthy exchange.
Townsend celebrated later with the Court 11 crowd as many of the fans booed Ostapenko as she left the court. Townsend later spoke to ESPN about the incident.
“She said I have no class, I have no education and to see what happens when we get outside the U.S.” Townsend added. “I’m looking forward to it. I beat her in Canada outside the U.S. I beat her in New York. So let’s see what else she has to say”
Ostapenko went up a double break 3-0 early in the match and later served for the first set 5-3. Townsend managed to get back on even terms before taking the set 7-5.
After Townsend gain a quick lead in the second, Ostapenko called for a trainer and a doctor to check her blood pressure and assess her condition. Play resumed soon after and Townsend went on to win the match 7-5, 6-1.
Ostapenko, who was not requested by media before the match, did not speak to the press afterwards as she was not required to do so. She did however post on her personal Instagram account that she took issue with Townsend not apologizing for a “net ball” during the match and for starting the pre-match warmup by taking volleys first and not from the baseline.
Townsend has faced Ostapenko numerous times in singles and doubles, most recently in this year’s Wimbledon women’s doubles semifinals and has no issues with her.
Townsend, in her own post-match press conference, said she had “no beef” with Ostapenko before or after the match, but was proud of the way she handled the moment.
No, there’s never been any history. I don’t know how she feels about me, but there’s no beef on my side. She told me I have no education, no class, and to see what happens if we play each other outside of the U.S. I said, I’m excited, bring it.
Still, there’s no beef. But again, like you guys saw, I didn’t back down because you’re not going to insult me, especially after I carried myself a certain type of way with nothing but respect. If I show respect to you, I expect respect as well. That’s just the fact of the matter.
I think that that’s tennis, right? You know no matter what’s going on, it’s me versus you, but at the end of the day we have to respect each other and respect what happens out on the court. It’s competition.
So, you know, it was unfortunate, but, you know, it’s something I can put on my TikTok (laughing).
Townsend, currently the World No. 1 in WTA doubles, is now in the US Open singles third round for the third time in her career. She will next face No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva.
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